Quality and coordination can be difficult to come by; however, they are necessary in improving the lives of children and youth. In Rhode Island, there are potential legislative changes that aren't including all of the stakeholders, such as the states Children's Cabinet; in youth today, Karen Pittman looks at the challenges of coordinating agencies and organizations for the best for youth.

This month, Karen Pittman traveled to New York for several days of panels, roundtables and discussions on after-school research and quality programs which was hosted by The Center for After-School Excellence. Across the country, Elizabeth Gaines was working with education advisors in California on strategies to solve problems in their community using Ready by 21.

There has been a lot of big news around Ready by 21: the Forum and the United Way of America have joined forces and the Quality Counts sites have been chosen and announced. We can now work together with United Ways on spreading the message of Ready by 21 and as we do that, we can help specific communities begin to work on changing the odds for youth.